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CRITERIA FOR PRIORITIZATION OF ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
Citation:
Wilson, B. H. AND E E. Jorgensen*. CRITERIA FOR PRIORITIZATION OF ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION. Presented at ReVA Conference, King of Prussia, PA, May 14, 2003.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Prioritization of ecosystem restoration measures is important for state and federal agencies, watershed coalitions, science advisory boards and other groups responsible for decision-making regarding restoration activities. Although widely utilized, the term "restoration prioritization" does not have consistent usage or significance between users, thereby contributing to poor communication and unrealized expectations. Literature and internet surveys were conducted to identify the connotations and perspective conveyed when the term "restoration prioritization" is used. Major search terms were "Restoration Prioritization", "Ecosystem Prioritization", "Restoration Criteria", "Watershed Restoration", "Habitat Restoration", and "Watershed Management". The majority of the restoration projects reviewed involved watersheds; however, forests, deserts, grasslands, and plant and animal habitats were also considered. Significant criteria important for prioritization included resource use as a drinking water supply, inclusion on a state's 303(d) list, requirement for habitat critical for maintenance of sustainable animal populations, and cost of the restoration project. GIS maps were frequently used to identify the most damaged portions of a watershed or ecosystem. A database was created in Excel that identified the watershed/ecosystem to be restored, its location, the HUC if available, the resource to be restored, the restoration criteria employed, the restoration purpose/objectives, the restoration focus, important keywords, the agency or organization involved in the decision-making process, and reference of the article or source including internet addresses if available